Bringing Books into Thomastown Children’s Lives

Children’s Protection Society Community Liaison Co-ordinator Ms Tessa Hughes has worked in collaboration with Yarra Plenty Regional Library and Thomastown West Primary School to pilot a model for a literacy program to engage Arabic children and their families in Thomastown.

"Bringing Books into Children's Lives” program has run throughout term 2 at Thomastown Library craft room with a number of Arabic families. The program was developed to meet the growing needs identified by the school where it noted that 60% of children starting Prep had limited English and pre-school experiences.

The program focused on celebrating Arabic culture through art and literature. Each week, the families explored a different theme: important people in their lives, their countries of origin, children’s songs and nursery rhymes, healthy food and the sharing of recipes, photos and memorabilia. These have been creatively used to design their own ‘Life Journey Book’.

Ms Hughes said, “The program has been an overwhelming success for all concerned. Parents enjoyed meeting new people, making new friends and the occasion to share literacy and other learning experiences with their children. It also gave them opportunities to practice English in a fun and supportive environment. The children have loved the books, the art as well as healthy food provided for afternoon tea and making new friends.”

“The program has significantly aided the development of healthy relationships between home and school by building trust and enhanced communication. This in turn enhances the educational outcomes for children,” said Anna Dour, Welfare Officer at Thomastown West Primary School.

A graduation ceremony was held to present the mother’s and children with their bound Life Journal Books, a certificate of participation and a book from the Yarra Plenty Library.

Ms Bernadette Burchell, CEO at CPS said “These Journals are a beautiful account of each of their life journeys and I am sure will be a treasured memento for each parent and child. CPS is delighted to have been involved in this wonderful project and looks forward to future collaborations which strengthen community connections and improve children’s lives.”

Jane Grace, Manager Outreach YPRL said “This program has been a great example of how a strong partnership within the community and has been able to focus on the importance of reading for children.”

A comment from a parent, “Usually the weeks are all the same but the last few weeks we have had this special time- it has been fun, the kids have loved coming to school on Monday because they have the group after school.”

It is hoped to continue the program next term and to target other community members in the future.